Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors: These four teams lead the race

The trade market for Giannis Antetokounmpo is heating up fast. With the NBA trade deadline just two days away, set for Thursday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET, the Milwaukee Bucks have submitted multiple counteroffers to teams interested in the Greek superstar, according to ESPN. Antetokounmpo, 31, stands 6-foot-11 and remains one of the league’s most valuable players.

An exit from Milwaukee is now increasingly realistic as the clock winds down.

Four franchises take the lead

So which teams are pushing hardest for the two-time MVP?

ESPN identifies four franchises that have pulled ahead of the pack: the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks. One of them could land one of the crown jewels of the NBA, likely before the trade deadline rather than during the summer, which had also been viewed as a possible window for a deal.

At the moment, Golden State and New York appear to be best positioned. Antetokounmpo’s opinion matters greatly, especially with his current contract running through the summer of 2027. No front office is eager to part with premium assets without a clear signal that Giannis would be open to extending his stay with a new team.

Why the Warriors make sense

Golden State has a deep stash of first-round draft picks and could offer up to four in a deal. Jimmy Butler would be a central piece of any package, with both players earning $54 million this season and Butler’s contract also expiring in the summer of 2027.

That combination of draft capital and matching salaries puts the Warriors in a strong negotiating position.

The Knicks’ long-standing interest

No team has been more closely linked to Antetokounmpo than the Knicks. There were talks between Milwaukee and New York last summer, although they felt more like a symbolic gesture than a serious attempt at a trade, a way for the Bucks to show they had explored options before deciding nothing met their price.

This time, the situation is different. With Milwaukee clearly open to moving its star, New York becomes a legitimate contender, largely because of the quality of players it can offer. Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby headline a group of attractive assets.

There is a catch, however. The Knicks are short on first-round picks, and their top players are not particularly young, with much of their core already over 25. Limited draft capital and limited youth complicate matters. Once again, Antetokounmpo’s stance could prove decisive.

Miami and Minnesota face uphill battles

A move to Miami appears difficult. The Heat have spent several summers chasing a true superstar but have come up empty, failing to land either elite free agents or blockbuster trades. Their main hope would be a strong preference from Antetokounmpo to play in South Beach, since Miami does not boast the deepest pool of picks or young talent among the suitors.

Minnesota’s case is not much stronger. The Timberwolves have just one unprotected first-round pick that can be swapped, along with players like Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle to make the salaries work. On paper, it looks like a thin offer, although the NBA has seen stranger deals come together under deadline pressure.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.